• Principal's Weekly Message

    4/14/2023

    Hello Families & Partners -

    In PPS, we believe that Arts Education matters and that “The arts are fundamental to children's creative expression and their overall growth and learning. Integrated into core curriculum, they enhance comprehension and engagement. On their own, they nurture self-esteem and increase whole-brain activity. The arts are our greatest tools to promote creativity in the classroom. Our vision at PPS is to increase equitable access to the arts for all children.”  Earlier this week our annual HeART of Portland: A Portland Public Schools K-12 Arts Showcase took place at the Portland Art Museum.  Two of our students, Penelope Dorneman and Zoe Smith, were selected to represent Ockley Green MS with the showcasing of the Art pieces they created for their architectural design project.  It was wonderful to have these pieces on display at this event and their Ms. Kray’s support in facilitating that is appreciated.

     

    Please see below for some important updates!

     

    MESD Dental Sealants was a Success  NEW

    Last November, volunteers from MESD were on site to give the following number of students, shown below, dental screening, sealant and fluoride varnish services.  Thank you for getting students signed up last Fall.  We will continue to partner with MESD to offer this service to our students.

          # OF STUDENTS SCREENED                                                        61

          # OF STUDENTS RECEIVING SEALANTS                                    41

    Culture and Community Night  NEW

     

    Mark your Calendars! 

     

    You’re invited to Ockley Green’s second annual Culture and Community Night! Please join us at Ockley on Wednesday, April 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 for food, performances, community resources, and most importantly highlight student's academic achievements as it relates to their individual cultures!

     

    What: Culture and Community Night 

    When: Wednesday, April 26th 

    Time: 5:30- 7:30

    Where: Ockley Green Middle School

     

    Hope to see you there! 

     

    OG Supporters Plan Sale  NEW

     

    OG Supporters will be holding this sale on the Ainsworth side of the school Thursday 5/11. The nursery will be delivering plants around 1PM and then we will be sorting orders and people will start picking up between 2-5PM. We will possibly have a couple other volunteers helping us. 

     

    https://ockleygreensupportersplantsale.company.site

     

    Orders are due by April 20th by 5PM

     

    Dining Out to Support OG at Por Que No Taqueria  NEW

     

    OG Supporter Fundraiser:  On Wednesday, April 19th, come on out for some tasty tacos and more at Por Que No Taqueria to support the school and a local business! They'll be donating a % of sales for the day to OG Supporters in support of our upcoming Community & Culture Night.  Open 11am-10pm, dine in or take out.

     

    Bell Schedule Update  NEW

     

    The District provided 3 options for Bell Schedules at the Middle School level. We will be collecting feedback from staff, students and families. Please be on the lookout for a more detailed email and survey soon to share feedback on these options.

     

    Summer Opportunities

    Working On It  

    These are areas that, when our team is ready to provide additional information, I will provide an update in the section above.

    • Outside camera for our staff parking lot to increase safety and reduce vandalism;
    • Reconfiguration of spaces for the 23-24 school year with a goal of no large classes meeting in the Portable classrooms;
    • Ongoing advocacy of replacement of our Portables;
    • Hiring for 2023-24;
    • Building the Master Schedule for the 23-24 school year.

     

    Important Dates

    • April 17th - April 28th: Statewide Assessments
    • April 26th: Culture & Community Night

     

    In Partnership,

    --

    Julie Rierson

    Pronouns: she/her

    Principal

    Ockley Green Middle School